[2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
The idea that bass is a plain, background position is a thing of the past.
In fact, there have always been countless stars—both overseas and in Japan—who show us the appeal of low-end with their incredibly cool bass playing.
That said, recent J-POP and Japanese rock often feature complex rhythm patterns, and some of you may have tried picking up the bass only to find it too difficult and ended up giving up.
So this time, we’re introducing classic J-POP and Japanese rock tracks that feature simple yet cool bass lines—perfect for beginner bassists who’ve gotten the basics down and are ready for a challenge.
Master these songs and take the next step beyond beginner!
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[2026] Easy J‑Pop and Japanese Rock Picks Recommended for Beginner Bassists (21–30)
RikaSIX LOUNGE
Hailing from Oita, SIX LOUNGE deliver the pure thrills of straight-ahead rock through an ensemble only a trio can create.
Their hefty sound, paired with lyrics and melodies that carry a certain wistful poetry, sets them apart from many contemporary bands.
Their signature track Rika, which boosted their recognition, unfolds with a simple chord progression in a loose, grunge-inspired style.
While the band’s uniquely seductive sound might make capturing the vibe a bit challenging for beginner players, I encourage you to give it a try.
Long preface aside, when it comes to the bass, focus on feeling the core shuffle rhythm.
Within bass lines that follow the guitar’s backing, there are plenty of melodic phrases using techniques like glissando—pay attention to that.
The difficulty isn’t especially high, so as a next step for beginner bassists, approach the song with the mindset of leading its groove.
SchoolChilli Beans.
When it comes to a trio that handles vocals, instruments, and songwriting across the board—and has made a strong mark on the Reiwa-era Japanese music scene with successes like a sold-out Nippon Budokan show and numerous tie-ins—it’s Chilli Beans.
Their songs are hugely popular, especially among younger listeners, and many require a high level of musicianship.
That might make beginners feel hesitant to dive in, but from a bass perspective, School is a relatively approachable track worth recommending.
It’s a beloved hit with relatable lyrics and irresistibly catchy melodies, and its bass line—featuring frequent use of higher positions—is a great challenge for anyone looking to break out of the beginner stage.
HOWEVERGLAY
In the 1990s, the golden age of J-POP, one of GLAY’s signature songs that became a massive hit was “HOWEVER.” Beyond the sheer brilliance of the composition, you’ll realize when you try covering it with a band that its key lies in a band ensemble that differs from straightforward rock.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the unique groove is driven by JIRO’s bass.
The reggae-tinged bass line, which makes clever use of rests, may initially confuse beginners who usually only practice 8-beat songs.
Rather than focusing on complex fingering or technique, what matters is how well you can create that distinctive feel.
Use this song to learn a groove that emphasizes off-beats and sixteenth notes!
dancerVaundy
While attending an art university, singer-songwriter Vaundy has been gaining attention for his sensibilities that evoke next-generation J-POP.
This is his 13th digital single.
The song was performed as the closing number of his 2021 tour, “one man live tour ‘HINODE’,” and its simple, bass-centered arrangement is striking.
It’s largely built on root notes and doesn’t contain difficult phrases, making it approachable even for beginner bassists.
However, because the bass takes the lead despite the simplicity, be mindful to keep your notes even and consistent when you play.
Melodic Stormsutoreitenaa
Straightener is a four-piece rock band that initially performed as a duo and adopted its current lineup in 2008, their 10th anniversary.
Their major 5th single, “Melodic Storm,” is a hit tune known as a live staple.
Some parts feature a very active bass line that may sound difficult for beginner bassists, but since the tempo isn’t that fast, once you memorize the phrases, it’s easy to play.
Overall, there are many root-note sections, so it’s a great number to tackle as a step up.
jerseySabasusutā
Sabuster is a popular trio that, in an unusually fast turn of events, won an audition to perform at SUMMER SONIC just five months after forming in 2022.
The EP they released afterward created a buzz among quick-eared music fans, and in 2024 they signed with the prestigious label PIZZA OF DEATH MANAGEMENT and even made their major debut.
Their catchy sound, rooted in pop punk and paired with lyrics that neatly capture everyday life, is arranged simply overall, making it approachable even for beginner bassists.
The song Jersey introduced here is one of their signature tracks.
While the bass part is mostly centered on root notes, pay attention to the melody-like phrase in the second verse’s A section that uses glissando.
This song lets you practice not only supporting the foundation as a bassist but also creating a dynamic, undulating effect that’s a lot of fun.
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
A song by the three-piece rock band KANA-BOON, formed in a high school light music club and popular for their lyrics written from a unique perspective and tight rock sound.
This is an arrangement of a track included on their self-produced second album “Wakattenai no wa Boku datta,” featuring catchy lyrics that weave in both male and female viewpoints and emotions.
The fingering is simple, making it approachable for beginner bassists, but it’s important to keep the rhythm steady because there are many phrases that enter on the off-beat right after breaks.
Also, be mindful of the phrase that intertwines with the melody in the second A section; it isn’t very fast, so treat it as a spotlight moment for the bass and practice it well.